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Home buying checklist

Keep track of your property search with our downloadable home buying checklist.

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There's a lot to keep in mind when buying a property. During your search you'll likely look at a variety of different homes, and it can be tough to keep straight in your head which properties made what impression. That's why we've created a home buying checklist.

You can print copies of the checklist from the link below, and take it with you to inspections.

Download our home buying checklist

Preparation

Location

  • Is it close to infrastructure such as train stations or bus stops?
  • Is it close to hospitals and schools?
  • Is the neighbourhood safe?
  • Is it reasonably quiet?
  • Is it flood or bushfire prone?
  • What are the local council regulations around renovations or extensions?

Exterior

  • Is the exterior of the house in good condition, free from cracks or defects?
  • Is the roof in good condition?
  • Are the windows and doors in good condition?
  • Are the gutters and downpipes in good condition?
  • Is the property connected to electricity and sewer?
  • Does the land provide sufficient space for additions?
  • Is the property fenced, and is the fencing in good condition?

Interior

  • Are the walls in good condition, free from holes or cracks?
  • Is there any sign of mould or damp?
  • Are the floors level and undamaged?
  • Are there sufficient power points?
  • Is all plumbing in good working order?
  • What appliances and furnishings are included in the contract, and are they in working order?
  • Are there telephone, cable and/or Internet connections?

Contract and title

Need more help? Check out these helpful guides and videos

Watch: step-by-step home buying guide

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Credit services for Aussie Select, Aussie Activate and Aussie Elevate products are provided by AHL Investments Pty Ltd ACN 105 265 861 (“Aussie”) and its appointed credit representatives, Australian Credit Licence 246786. Credit for Aussie Select products is provided by Residential Mortgage Group Pty Ltd ACN 152 378 133, Australian Credit Licence 414133 (“RMG”). RMG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234945. Credit for Aussie Activate products is provided by Pepper Finance Corporation Limited ACN 094 317 647 (“Pepper”). Pepper Group Limited ACN 094 317 665, Australian Credit Licence 286655 acts on behalf of Pepper. Credit services for Aussie Elevate products are provided by AHL Investments Pty Ltd ACN 105 265 861 Australian Credit Licence 246786 (“Aussie”) and its appointed credit representatives. Aussie is a trade mark of AHL Investments Pty Ltd ABN 27 105 265 861. Credit and any applicable offset accounts for Aussie Elevate are issued by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 237879.

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$
years
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate^ Application Fee Ongoing Fees Max LVR Monthly Payment
St.George Basic Home Loan - LVR 60% to 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
St.George Basic Home Loan
2.54%
2.56%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
$596.91
Up to $4,000 refinance cashback. With this competitive variable rate loan from St.George, refinancers borrowing $250,000+ can get up $4,000 cashback and borrow up to 80% of the property's value. (Terms, conditions & exclusions apply).
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More Info
Westpac Flexi First Option Home Loan - Basic Variable Rate (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Westpac Flexi First Option Home Loan
2.29%
2.72%
$0
$8 monthly ($96 p.a.)
95%
$577.55
Up to $3,000 refinance cashback.
A flexible and competitive variable rate loan. Eligible borrowers refinancing $250,000 or more can get $2,000 cashback per property plus a bonus $1,000 for their first application. Other conditions apply.
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More Info
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR 80% or below (Owner Occupier, P&I)
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan
1.88%
2.98%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
$546.6
Lock in a competitive fixed rate for 2 years and buy your home with a 20% deposit.
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More Info
Athena Celebrate Home Loan - 60% LVR Owner Occupier, P&I
Athena Variable Home Loan
2.19%
2.19%
$0
$0 p.a.
60%
$569.91
Owner occupiers with 40% deposits or equity can get this competitive variable rate loan. No upfront or ongoing fees.
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More Info
Suncorp Home Package Plus Fixed - 2 Year Fixed Rate Special Offer $150k+ LVR ≤80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Suncorp Home Package Plus Fixed
1.89%
2.94%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
$547.35
Lock in a low fixed rate loan for two years and get the annual package fee waived in the first year. Available for borrowers with 20% deposits.
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More Info
UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate - Discount Offer for Owner Occupiers, Variable P&I Rate
UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate
2.34%
2.34%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
$581.39
Enjoy flexible repayments, a redraw facility and the ability to split your loan. Plus, pay no application or ongoing fees.
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More Info
Macquarie Bank Basic Home Loan - LVR ≤ 60% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Macquarie Bank Basic Home Loan
2.49%
2.49%
$0
$0 p.a.
60%
$593.01
A competitive variable rate home loan for owner-occupiers. Requires a 40% deposit.
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More Info
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR ≤ 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan
2.54%
2.55%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
$596.91
A competitive variable interest rate loan with low fees. The establishment fee is waived if you borrow $150,000 or more.
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More Info
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